Avoid A Painful Existence

Avoid a Painful Existence Your spine is one of the most important structures in your entire body. It is what allows for the movement in many muscles and can be involved in much of what is going on in your body. Practically every movement stems from the spine, which means that if it is in pain or out of commission, so is your life.

This is why it is imperative that you pay special attention to any kind of back pain and stop the problem before it escalates into something serious. The muscles of the low back provide power and strength for activities such as standing, walking and lifting. The ligaments of the low back act to interconnect the five vertebral bones and provide support or stability for the low back. A sprain of the low back can occur when a sudden, forceful movement injures a ligament, which has become stiff or weak through poor conditioning or overuse. If you are experiencing lower back pain, you should keep in mind that all bones lose strength over time.

In addition, the lumbar vertebrae, particularly in postmenopausal women, can be fractured or compressed from a fall or even from the stress of lifting or everyday activities. The disc is composed of a soft jelly-like center or "nucleus pulposis." A tougher outer portion, called the "annulus," surrounds the nucleus. At times, the disc can lose its integrity and weaken. Fissures or cracks may occur in the disc.

These may be the source of back pain. The weakening or the fissures can allow the annulus to extend out of the disc. That is, the nucleous pulposis may push out, or the annulus may rupture. This often is referred to as a herniated or slipped disc. Keep in mind that the effects of aging that result in decreased bone mass, and decreased strength and elasticity of muscles and ligaments cannot be avoided. However, the effects can be slowed by exercising regularly to keep the muscles that support your back strong and flexible, and by using the correct lifting and moving techniques; get help if an object is too heavy or an awkward size.

You can also avoid future pain by maintaining your proper body weight; being overweight puts a strain on your back muscles, by avoiding smoking and by maintaining a proper posture when standing and sitting. If you suffer from these pains, know that after the common cold, problems caused by the lower back are the most frequent cause of lost workdays.

The lower or lumbar spine is a complex structure that connects your upper body to your lower body. This important part of your spine provides you with both mobility and strength. The mobility allows movements such as turning, twisting or bending; and the strength allows you to stand, walk and lift. The majority of low back pain can be effectively treated following an examination by your orthopedic surgeon and a prescribed period of activity modification and some medication to relieve the pain and diminish the inflammation.

Although a brief period of rest may be helpful, most studies show that light activity speeds healing and recovery. It may not be necessary for you to discontinue all activities, including work. Instead, you may adjust your activity under your orthopedist's guidance. As usual, it is best to consult with your doctor, especially a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating back pain. Once the initial pain has eased, a rehabilitation program may be suggested to increase your muscle strength in your low back and abdominal muscles as well as some stretching exercises to increase your flexibility.

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